THORPE United’s title hopes took a knock as they lost 3-0 to Garforth Junior Football League under-16s division one rivals Farsley Celtic.

Farsley moved three points ahead of third-placed Thorpe with two games in hand after coming out on top in the opening game of the new year.

Matthew Webster and Dominik Stankiwicz were made to work hard in the centre of the Thorpe defence, while man of the match David Melling impressed in midfield.

Farsley took the lead through a well struck free-kick, Alex Ward getting a strong hand to the ball and pushing it wide, but the ball was played back into the danger area and jabbed home.

The lead was doubled moments later. A free-kick was thumped goalwards, and the strong wind helped it over Ward and under the crossbar.

Thorpe played with the wind in the second half, but failed to make the most of the conditions.

Farsley hit Thorpe on the counter and, although Ward saved well, Thorpe failed to clear a corner and the home side grabbed a third goal.

In the final few minutes, Thorpe’s Corey Littlefield had an effort cleared off the line and the same player then hit a post after being teed up by Richard Buckthorpe.